"DOING nothing" is not an option on one of Bradford's busiest roads, a councillor has warned.

Last month, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority “paused” the £20 million scheme to deliver major improvements on Tong Street.

A spokesperson told the T&A this was down to a number of factors "having a significant impact on the costs of infrastructure projects across the country".

“Doing nothing simply can’t be an option,” Tong Ward councillor Matt Edwards (Green) said.

“Tong Street is one of the most congested roads in our city. Nearly 40,000 cars a day use this road – and it was never built for that many vehicles. 

“Earlier this year, Bradford Council approved a rethink to this scheme so the focus would be on reducing congestion, improving public transport links and promoting active travel rather than widening the road.

“I am committed to making sure this is finally delivered for the people living in our area."

Councillor Celia Hickson, who also represents the Tong ward for the Green Party, said: "One factor that stands out as being particularly significant is air pollution.

“There is such a strong case for improvements to the flow of traffic through our area that this rethink really needs prioritising.”

The South East Bradford Access Road, known as the Tong Valley Road, is also on the list of projects likely to be paused.

Cllr Edwards added: “Now really should be the time for the West Yorkshire Mayor and the Combined Authority to finally put an end to this ‘pie in the sky’ scheme. 

“The economic situation means we aren’t going to be able to afford much simpler and cheaper projects – ones that will offer much quicker, cost-effective improvements which would make a real difference and help people in our region get around. These are what we need to be prioritising."

In response, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “Record levels of inflation, combined with the knock-on effects of Brexit, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, are having a significant impact on the costs of infrastructure projects across the country.

“We have worked closely with our local authority partners to minimise this disruption and ensure no part of the region is unfairly impacted as we identify schemes that can be paused and delivered over a longer time period.

“All of these projects will help level up our region, and we’ll be holding the Government to account over how these will be funded.”